A Comparison Between Live Bait and Lure Bait, Where And When To Use Each

There has been a debate among anglers regarding the live bait and lure fish, and which one is the best to use. However, the discussion is not as easy as people may think. Choosing one over the other is a matter of preference and not their effectiveness.

The only way to help people understand these methods is by looking at them in depth. This article will discuss both these methods, look at their strengths and weaknesses, and determine which method is the best.

What is Live Bait?

Live bait entails the use of live fish as bait to catch other fish. Large fish are known to prefer feeding on small fish. It would make it easy for you to catch them since you will be offering them something that like naturally.

However, as easy as it may sound, there is still work involved when using a live bait method. You must understand which bait fish to use to get better chances of making a catch.

If you are planning to fish in saltwater, it’s recommended to try using crabs and shrimp as baits. They have been useful, and many anglers prefer using them.

For those who need to fish in freshwater, they are encouraged to try using mullet, minnows, shad, pogies, and shiners as their baits. Crickets and nightcrawlers have never gone out of fashion and are a classic example of common live baits.

Pros of Live Bait Fishing

The method is known to manipulate the carnivorous nature of the fish. Since fish are known to feed on fish, using live bait may entice them to take your bait, which will increase your chances for making a catch.
The scent from live bait is known to attract fish towards the bait. This method is helpful especially when you are fishing in open waters. Fish are known to pick up the scent from miles away and are drown towards the bait.
Fish are known to attack an easy meal and wounded live bait presents them with this opportunity.

Cons of Live Bait Fishing

Messy- Using this method requires you to drive a hook through a live fish, which needs you to have a strong stomach. Some people have been known to vomit when doing this, thereby making this method not suitable to everyone.
It could be expensive- if you are those people who prefer to buy their bait from local bait shops, you may need to adjust your bait budget. If you want to lower your expenses, the best thing to do would be to cast net to catch your bait.
You should keep your live bait alive- when you chose this method, you need to find ways in which you can keep the remaining live baits alive. It’s recommended to have a live bait tank that has a pump.

Where Can You Use Live Bait and When?

Live baits can be used on both saltwater and freshwater. The best time to use this method would be earlier in the season.

The water temperatures have to be 50 degrees and below for you to use this method.

Lure Fishing

Lure fishing is a bit different from live fishing. Unlike live baits which do all the work, lure baits tend to be physically demanding. You must know how to cast your bait, where, and when.

You also need to choose the right bait, the right size, and the right color for you to make it work.

However, despite all the physicality demands of using this method, anglers have always enjoyed this method. It makes fishing a challenge and fun, rather than a straightforward activity. They also enjoy the rewards of making a catch after countless casts.

If you want to use this method, people have always been encouraged to learn a few things. It’s critical that you take some time to practice before implementing it. This will give you an advantage and an opportunity of knowing how to use this method.

Pros of Fishing with Artificial Lures

Engaging and Active- one thing that stands out about lure fishing is the work that the angler does. You will be required to imitate the movement of live bait to attract the attention of the fish. This on its own has been appealing to many anglers who need more action during their fishing trips.
Triggers territorial and predatory responses from fish- live bait is known to trigger the carnivorous hunger of the fish, but lure baits can trigger the territorial reaction from the fish. Fish have been known to attack the lure out of pure territorial defense, like a bass protecting its nest.
You don’t have to worry about the bait dying- live baits require care if you want them to live. However, lure baits don’t require the same treatment. If you are worried about hooking live baits, you won’t have this problem with lure baits.

Cons of Fishing with Artificial Lures

Could be expensive- since there are different colors, shapes, and sizes, you may end up buying different lure baits, which may be costly.
Could be a challenge- perfecting these skills requires time and energy. You must make sure that you have enough practice sessions to learn the method that works for you. You should also try and test all baits before deciding on which to use.
Knowledge of the fishing location- if you are planning to use this method, you should have precise information on the best spot to fish, the depth, and the time. Lure baiting needs you to drop the bait precisely in front of the fish to entice a strike.

Where and When to use Lure Baiting

Just like live baiting, lure baiting can be carried out in both freshwater and saltwater. This method is better done at the later stages of the season.

The water temperatures need to be above 50 degrees for this method to work.

Which is the Best Method?

There is no way of choosing one method over the other. However, every angler is required to make sure they are conversant with both methods. Having a combined knowledge will improve your chances of fishing. Each technique has its best time when it can be applied for effective fishing.